Let’s look at the best things to see in Valencia, Spain. Top attractions, can’t-miss sights, and the most important landmarks are all in the article. We’ll keep this short and sweet, to help make sure you see the best of the best! 

Landmarks in Valencia

The cap i casal has hundreds of landmarks for visitors to see! Take it from me – I’ve been here since 2018 and I’m still finding new things to explore. 

So for a traveler, it can be hard to narrow it all down to only the best things to see. Valencia is full of both medieval landmarks and modern innovations – so there’s a lot to take in. 

In this article, I’ll keep it reduced to my Top 10 things to see. Valencia has other landmarks as well, but if you have to choose – then this would be my pick. So let’s look at my favorite attractions!

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Top 10 Things to See in Valencia

Here is my list of the top 10 things to see in Valencia. Spain has many fantastic cities, but none quite like Valencia! So I’ve narrowed down to just 10 landmarks that are worth seeing. 

Note that if you’re fast – you can see all of these things in one day! You might not be able to visit everything in-depth, but if you only have a day, you can make this work. 

I think these are the best attractions in Valencia for the general public, but if you want some more specific guides – make sure to check out these options:

• Valencia for Budget Travelers
• 50 Things to Do in Valencia 
• Neighborhood Guide 

La Ciutat Vella

You can’t visit the city without enjoying the Valencia Old Town. With history dating back to Roman times – there is so much history for you to explore! 

The winding streets, quaint plaçes, and lively atmosphere make La Ciutat Vella one of the best things to see in Valencia. 

It has a distinctly unique vibe, especially when compared to Madrid or Barcelona. You can definitely tell that the Kingdom of Valencia has left its mark on the current city. 

So go explore the different squares and the small streets. And don’t forget to look up and admire all the façades! 

La Llotja

La Llotja is the only physical UNESCO World Heritage Site in Valencia – so it is an absolute must-see landmark. 

This silk exchange is a prime example of Valencian architecture from its Golden Age. Built in the 15th century, it’s an impressive attraction that I think all tourists need to see! It used to be the seat of commerce for the Kingdom of Valencia – and you can definitely see how much wealth and power this Mediterranean city had. 

Plus, it makes the perfect spot to take a selfie in the orange gardens or in the enormous hall with unique, spiraling columns. 

Note. You’ll also see this referred to as La Lonja de la Seda. This is the Spanish translation, while the official name is La Llotja (in Valencian). 

La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

In a stark contrast with La Llotja – the City of Arts and Sciences is another one of the best things to see in Valencia. It is a stunning example of the futuristic modernism that is sprinkled throughout the city. 

It blends the traditional trencadís (a unique mosaic) style with a modern approach to create a complex of buildings that are unlike anything else in the world. 

All the buildings are aquatic themed, and at the perfect angle – they all blend together to create an image of a fish reflected in the water. 

If you only have one day – I wouldn’t bother going inside. But you have to see this landmark from the outside at a minimum. And if you do have time – you should check out the aquarium, as it’s Europe’s largest! 

Just note that the City of Arts and Sciences is a bit far away from the rest of the city, so make sure you check out how to use the Valencia bus system to get there. 

The Cathedral

Heading back to the city center – La Seu and El Micalet are two of the best attractions in Valencia. 

The Cathedral is a truly impressive landmark, both inside and out. And take this from someone that has seen a million European churches – this one is worth the visit. 

Head inside to get an audio tour, an entire museum with the ruins beneath, and the actual Holy Grail (no big deal…). 

After admiring what is arguably the most important religious relic in Christianity, you can head over to El Micalet – the tower. Walk up the 207 steps to get an unbeatable view of Valencia. 

So yeah – definitely one of the best things to see in Valencia. And even though it’s relatively expensive (around €10 per person), I think it’s absolutely worth it. Plus you get a discount with the Valencia Tourist Card! 

Turia Gardens

Once upon a time, Valencia was divided in half by the Turia River. But after an incredibly destructive flood (La Riuà), the city actually diverted it. Then they transformed the empty riverbed into an enormous green space that’s longer than Central Park in NYC. 

With a variety of gardens, sports fields, dedicated biking & jogging lanes, and plenty of spaces to have a picnic, the Turia Gardens is now known as the lungs of the city. 

It’s a very lively area that is well-loved by the locals. So I highly recommend taking a moment to going to see this landmark. 

You don’t need to see the entirety of the Turia Gardens, but I do think all tourists should see a portion of the “river”. 

If your legs aren’t tired, it actually ends at the City of Arts and Sciences. So you can walk from the City Center to the CAC via the gardens. 

Mercat Central

One of Valencia’s most important landmarks – the Mercat Central. This is Europe’s largest enclosed (and active) market. 

Fresh, local produce. Farm-to-table ingredients. Valencian artisans and small boutique shops – it’s definitely one of the best things to see. 

The exterior is a classic example of Valencian Modernism, a style that is something you won’t see anywhere else. It’s full of agricultural motifs that make it completely unique. 

If you decide to enter the Mercat Central – here’s my advice: 

Make sure you actually buy something from the vendors. 

This is an active market that is crucial to the local economy and way of life. But many vendors and neighbors complain because tourists will go in, cramp up the space, and do nothing more than take pictures. Which obviously doesn’t help support their business! 

So please practice responsible tourism by purchasing something from the vendors. Even if it’s just a pastry from the bakery or some fruit as a snack! 

Russafa

The trendy neighborhood of Russafa is another must-see area in Valencia. It used to be a separate town, so it’s known for having a vibrant, small-town vibe while only being a few minutes from the city center. 

It’s the perfect area to grab a drink or get some tapes.

While there aren’t any specific landmarks, I highly recommend walking around to just enjoy the atmosphere and the lovely architecture.  

It’s a great place to find lodging, a top area for a trendy restaurant, and the best area to have some fun during Les Falles. 

So definitely take some time to see Russafa! 

Torres dels Serrans

The last remaining piece of the medieval walls that surrounded Valencia. The Torres dels Serrans (and the Torres de Quart) are a must-see attraction. 

You can go up the tower to get an excellent view of the city center and the Turia Gardens. 

This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Valencia. Since they are right in the city center, they’re also quite easy to get to. 

City Hall

Both the City Hall Square and the City Hall itself are some of the best things to see. Valencia’s seat of government is a grand, opulent building that is a must-visit for tourists. 

You can head inside L’Ajuntament for free, but it’s only open M–F from 9-2. So make sure to plan ahead! 

If you’re not able to do that, then make sure you visit the main square at a minimum. 

It’s one of my favorite views in the city! 

Les Falles Museum

I ALWAYS recommend tourists to check out Les Falles museum. Especially if you’re not able to visit the city during Les Falles festival, this is the best way to get an understanding of the most important cultural celebration in the city. 

The museum guards the winning art pieces from the last 100 years and displays them in chronological order. So you get a clear vision of how Valencian society has evolved over the years. 

This is the closest you can get to a “hidden gem” as no one ever talks about this! But if you want to learn more about Valencian culture, this is the best introduction as a tourist! 

It’s right next to the City of Arts and Sciences, so I recommend planning your visit for around the same time. 

Other Valencia Tourist Attractions

Let’s be honest, sometimes the best 10 things to see … just isn’t enough! So here are some other tourist attractions in Valencia that you should see:

• Sant Nicolau Church (Baroque church)
• Sant Joan de l’Hospital Church (Templar church)
• Palau del Marqués de Dosaigües (Palace & ceramics museum)
• Plaça de la Mare de Deu dels Desemparats (City square)
• L’Almoina (Archeological museum)
• L’Etnològic Museum (Ethnologic Museum
• Museu de Belles Arts (Fine arts museum)

➡️ Need more? Check out all the things to do in Valencia. 

The Valencia Tourist Card

For most travelers, I think the Valencia Tourist Card can be a great option. 

If you’re here for 1, 2, or 3 days – it’s a great way to save money. 

✔️ Free, unlimited public transport
✔️ Free entry to municipal museums (like La Llotja)
✔️ Discounted entry to other attractions (like the Aquarium)
✔️ Discounts at some restaurants

I created a full guide to help you decide on whether it’s right for you. So make sure you read through and see if the Valencia Tourist Card will help you save some money. 

Tips for Seeing Valencia’s Top Attractions

Now that you know what the best things to see in Valencia are, it’s time to look at a few tips. These are just meant to help make your trip a little bit smoother – especially since I’ve seen lots of tourists make mistakes. 

So here is some useful advice while sightseeing in Valencia: 

Check the opening times

I can’t stress this enough. 

This goes for landmarks AND things like restaurants. Because people here love their becaeta (nap) time. So don’t be surprised to see things closed down in the middle of the day. 

And some of the major attractions will be closed on the weekend. For example, the Mercat Central is NOT open on Sunday. 

So make sure you check the opening times before planning things. 

➡️ You can also use my free weekend itinerary if you want a done-for-you option. 

Some things are free

The tourist attractions in Valencia are pretty affordable. Especially compared to other cities in Spain! Valencia took a lot of steps to make sure the monuments are accessible. 

Things like the Torres dels Serrans are free to visit on some Sundays, for example. The City Hall is always free to visit. 

And other museums in Valencia, like La Llotja, only cost €2 to visit. So you shouldn’t end up spending too much on your sightseeing! 

Utilize the public transport

It’s really easy to get around in Valencia. The public transport is simple and affordable, especially if you get the Valencia Tourist Card. 

Although, most of the city is easily accessible by foot! So if you enjoy walking, you shouldn’t ever spend more than 45 minutes to go from one attraction to another. 

But if you want to give your legs a break, both the bus and metro system are easy to use! 

Go on a walking tour

I always love going on walking tours when I visit a city. It’s a great way to have someone explain everything to you and hear some interesting stories. 

Most people can join a “Free” tour. Here, you only give a tip at the end, with the amount being up to your discretion. 

And if you want to hire a private tour, then those are a bit more expensive but offer a much more personalized and in-depth experience. It all depends on your budget! 

Find the right hotel

As a general rule, I strongly recommend people to pay attention to their lodging. The hotels tend to be fairly priced, especially compared to Madrid or Barcelona. 

However, there are a couple of things to know:

1. Double-check “centric” hotels. If it is by the City of Arts and Sciences, it is NOT centric. So don’t let them fool you! 
2. Avoid Airbnbs. The locals are currently facing a housing crisis and Airbnbs are a huge part of the problem. I recommend traveling responsibly and staying in a hotel that actually supports the local economy. 

I have a guide on where to stay in Valencia, so feel to check that out to help you choose!

➡️ Here’s how I get cheaper deals on Booking. 

Valencia Travel Resources

These are the best things to see in Valencia, but there are plenty of other things to do as well! If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message! 

And here are some more resources to help you on your trip to Valencia:

• Best things to do 
• Free things to do 
• How many days to spend in Valencia
• Useful Valencian phrases
• Best travel insurance for Valencia

FAQs